All proceeds from the book stall will go to Westpac Helicopter.

There will be books from all genres, old books, new books, large and small books.

Organisers said they already have a treasure trove of titles. “Come along to the stall at the Seniors Expo and grab yourself a bargain, nothing over $5,” they said.

“We are currently accepting donations of books, please drop them in to Pinevale Villas at 1 Star Avenue Goonellabah.

“If you would like us to collect them we may be able to organise that too, call Sonia on 6624 5010.”

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The Goonellabah-based Southern Cross University Bachelor of Business in Sport Tourism student has won a prestigious internship with the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program. The 12-month internship has taken him to Papua New Guinea to help establish junior cricket as a sport.

AYAD is a highly competitive national program that selects only the best and brightest young Australians to work in developing nations, giving them a unique opportunity to help build that nation’s capacity, through applying their own special talents in selected fields.

Joshua, who has played cricket since he was six and has captained the university’s cricket team, is over the moon at the internship which forms part of his degree. He has also won the $2000 School of Tourism and Hospitality Management International Internship Scholarship for his great academic results.

Joshua’s internship is with Cricket PNG, a new and rapidly growing organisation dedicated to promoting cricket to youngsters across PNG.

“There are countless different projects being undertaken in PNG, making it a really exciting place to be right now,” said Josh, while on a brief visit back to Lismore last week.

“One of the cricket projects I am directly involved with is the launching of cricket in Goroka, which is a major city in the Eastern Highlands region, and also in Mt Hagen, in the Western Highlands.

“This involves designing and delivering a major school cricket program aimed at reaching 6000 students before June 2011 and supporting locally-based cricket development officers to deliver it.

“As the cricket development manager, I’ll be working to build the game in these areas as well as helping to implement PNG’s largest sporting program, the Bank of South Pacific Schools Kriket Program.

“The aim is to introduce 150,000 students across the country to the sport of cricket over the next three years.

“I’ll also be working with the PNG Government to attract increased funding for facilities and to boost the junior program.

“Cricket is almost unheard of in many remote areas of PNG and is rarely played. Most villages don’t have a cricket pitch or a cricket ground, or even cricket gear and no idea about the rules of the game.

“When I turn up at a village school there is generally great excitement and everyone wants to play. They are very keen to learn and that makes the teaching part of my role very rewarding.

“But there are also many other exciting projects that I have already been involved with, including being the main co-ordinator and host for the recent Australian Indigenous guest cricket match in PNG.

“Cricket PNG is a very exciting organisation with some major development plans and I am very excited to be a part of its future.

“My other areas of focus include organising a major Cricket PNG competition, and establishing recruitment, financial management and fundraising procedures.”

Joshua, who came to university straight after finishing Year 12 at Lismore High School, will finish his AYAD internship next May.

Joshua said he was glad a school teacher had encouraged him to apply for an early entry position at Southern Cross University through the Star Entry Scheme.

“I chose my degree because it offered a lot of broad job outcomes. I could branch out into tourism management, sport management or business, and that was very appealing as I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to end up,” he said.

“The internship has definitely been the best part of the degree. It has given me the opportunity of experiencing a real job in the real world. It is absolutely hands-on and you get the opportunity to put all the theory you have learnt into practice.

“I have been using the learning from my professional development and human resources management units during this internship and the material I studied has proven invaluable.

“At times during my internship, I have already had to train and manage staff, manage large budgets, recruit and manage volunteers, develop financial accounting spreadsheets, and organise marketing, publicity and fundraising – so everything I have learned is being put into practice.”

PICTURE: Joshua Mapstone is looking forward to introducing the game of cricket to remote PNG communities.

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Officers attached to the Richmond LAC Drug Unit attended a home in Goonellabah at 6.30am and arrested a 44-year-old man. Police later returned to the house and also arrested the man’s 31-year-old female partner.

They were taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with drug-related offences, including knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug and supply prohibited drug.

Officers also attended two homes in Casino and arrested a 32-year-old man and 50-year-old woman.

They were taken to Casino Police Station where they were charged with offences including supply prohibited drug and knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug.

All four people will face court next month.

Today’s arrests are the culmination of a seven-month investigation codenamed Operation Redmahogany, which targeted amphetamine supply in the Richmond LAC.

In May this year Operation Redmahogany investigators arrested a 51-year-old Alstonville woman, a 48-year-old Rosebank man and a 29-year-old Alstonville man.

All three were charged with several drug-related offences including conspiracy to manufacture prohibited drug, supply and possess prohibited drug.

During the course of Operation Redmahogany officers seized a quantity of amphetamines and cannabis, including two kilograms of cannabis and cannabis plants.

Chemicals were also located at a Rosebank property and seized for further forensic analysis.

Operation Redmahogany is the latest of several investigations into drug trafficking conducted by Richmond LAC officers.

In June this year, drug investigation officers established Strike Force Jill to investigate the large commercial supply of cocaine and other prohibited drugs.

On July 21 this year, officers arrested a 28-year-old Israeli national at a Lennox Head Motel and, as a result of a search warrant, located a quantity of cash and 458grams of MDMA which has an estimated street value of $100,000.

Yesterday a 22-year-old Ballina woman was also arrested in connection with Strike Force Jill.

She was charged with 10 counts of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime after she allegedly transferred almost $74,000 into overseas bank accounts.

On July 25 this year, investigators attached to Strike Force Tonkie arrested a 48-year-old man who had been wanted for failing to appear before Lismore Local Court on charges of supply and possess 4.6 kilograms of cannabis and 90 grams of amphetamine.

Strike Force Tonkie commenced in August 2007 and has resulted in the arrest of 27 people for a total of 65 charges, including 18 offences relating to the supply of large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs.

Richmond LAC Crime Manager Detective Inspector Greg Moore said police will continue to target anyone involved in the illicit drug trade.

“Police will not waver in their efforts to protect the community and rid our streets of drug dealers,” Det Insp Moore said.

“Those who continue to peddle drugs should be on notice that their activities will be detected; they will be arrested and will be put before the courts.

“The community and the police will continue to work together in this endeavour.”

Anyone with information on drug trafficking should contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000.

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The Expo theme this year is’Ageing Well’ and will feature a monster book sale organised by Pinevale residents and staff, with the proceeds from the sale of all pre-loved books going to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

‘Ageing Well’ is all about showcasing some of the opportunities that now exist for older people and their families, who want access to information and services that help in continuing to enjoy a good quality of life.  

More than 40 community organisations, private businesses and health promotion practitioners have booked in for the event, together with entertainers. 

As well as being able to provide specific information about ageing – perhaps trying out mobility aids, or having a remedial massage or having your blood pressure checked – the expo this year will have a definite spring flavour with a plant display, a fashion parade, homewares, gifts and accessories, lots of live music and good food.   

Organisers can still take some bookings from community groups and businesses who have a focus on the older population and would like to be involved in this informative and fun event.

Stalls sites are in the grounds of Pinevale and are outside, under cover. Pinevale can help with shades and chairs. 

Entry is by gold coin donation for those attending and stalls are free, however, organisers do ask for a small gift to the resident fund-raising commitee. 

Funds raised from entry into the expo will go to Pinevale Resident’s Fundraising Committee.

For further information phone Anna, Jan or Sonia on 6624 5010.

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Neighbourhood Centre leaders from Lismore, South Grafton, Casino, Nimbin, Mullumbimby and Pottsville gathered with Senator Stephens and Ms Saffin to discuss their plans for celebrating Social Inclusion Week 2010.

The first Social Inclusion Week was held last year and was the brainchild of Jonathan Welch, best known for establishing the Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly the Choir of Hard Knocks).

The Australian Government and the Brotherhood of St Laurence were major sponsors of the inaugural Social Inclusion Week.

The objective of the Week is to bring about more inclusive communities through taking practical steps to fight loneliness and isolation by bringing people together.

Last year’s week was a great success, with a wide diversity of events held across Australia – from sausage sizzles to jazz sessions, from cricket matches to market stalls, and even roller-skating displays.

The focus of each event was on bringing people together, particularly those who are traditionally isolated from the rest of the community such as people suffering a mental illness, those who are homeless and people with a disability.

“Neighbourhood Centres are a touchstone for finding out about local services and getting involved in the community,” said Senator Stephens.

“From the ideas that the Centre leaders have been discussing today, it’s clear that Social Inclusion 2010 is going to be even better than last year.”

Ms Saffin acknowledged the invaluable role that Neighbourhood Centres play in the Far North Coast and hinterland region and congratulated them on their proactive role in preparing for Social Inclusion Week 2010.

“Social Inclusion Week is a great time for showcasing the strong community spirit that we have here in the Far North Coast and hinterland,” she said.

“I’ve told the centres that I’m happy to help out with their celebrations in any way, and I encourage all local community members to get involved too – whether it be through participating in an event or running one.”

For more information about Social Inclusion Week 2010, go to http://socialinclusionweek.ning.com/

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About 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 14 August 2010) police and emergency services were called to Nimbin Road, Nimbin, near the intersection of Stoney Chute Road after reports of a pedestrian hit by a car.

Inquiries are continuing, however, it appears that a 16-year-old Lismore girl was in one of the lanes of Nimbin Road when she was struck by a Toyota Four-Runner travelling north.

Paramedics treated the girl at the scene before taking her to Lismore Base Hospital where she was treated for serious leg and hand injuries, and grazing to her face. She currently remains in a stable condition.

The driver of the 4WD, a 34-year-old Mt Burrell man, was uninjured in the incident and was taken to hospital for mandatory tests.

A second teenage girl and a teenage boy who were in the company of the pedestrian at the time of the collision have been spoken to by police.

Ballina Crash Unit attended the scene and inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or the three teenagers in the area around 11.55pm yesterday to contact Ballina Crash Unit via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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The aircraft’s body was repaired in Singapore, and then rebuilt at the Lismore Helibase. It was then flown to a specialist paint shop in Queensland to have a new coat of paint.

The French-built Dauphin N2 helicopter has since undergone extensive testing by the rescue helicopter’s engineering team and was certified fit-for-duty on Friday.

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter chief pilot Lynton Beggs described the N2 helicopters as ‘well-built and reliable machines’.

He said the service’s engineers worked to the highest standards to ensure that LRH was rebuilt properly and safety wasn’t compromised.

“Having a second aircraft again means that when one aircraft is being serviced, the second is there ready to go when we get called out to a rescue mission,” Mr Beggs said.

“We’ve managed pretty well with just one aircraft, but having the second aircraft back on line will virtually eliminate all down-time.”

Mr Beggs paid tribute to the tireless efforts of the service’s engineering department, who worked meticulously to get LRH back into action as quickly as possible.

He said LRH was like a new aircraft and had been fitted with many extras including a satellite navigation system, night-vision capabilities and four ‘lipstick’ video cameras which could record video footage onto hard-drive.

PICTURE: Crewman Jimmy Keough (left) and chief pilot Lynton Beggs in front of LRH.

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Just before midnight a semi-trailer was being driven south on the Bruxner Highway at South Gundarimba, near Lismore, when the driver lost control.

The vehicle hit a guard rail and crashed on to its side near the Coraki Road intersection.

The driver, a 39-year-old Newcastle man, suffered shock and bruising and was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for observation.

Emergency services attended and police have established traffic diversions on to Caniaba Road, Pelican Creek Road and Wyrallah Road which remain in place this morning.

A salvage crew, including a crane and heavy tow vehicle, are currently on the scene and will salvage the semi-trailer.

The Bruxner Highway will remain closed during this time and police hope to reopen the roadway between 10am and midday.

Inquiries into the cause of the crash are continuing.

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The girl was last seen about 3.30pm on Wednesday, 14 July, by her grandmother at Zadoc Street, Lismore.

Police from Richmond Local Area Command investigated her disappearance and she was located on the weekend in Casino.

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

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The awards, presented at a ceremony in Ballina on Friday evening, highlight the significant achievements Southern Cross University graduates are making in a diverse range of fields, both in Australia and internationally.

Seven nominees were in the running for the 2010 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, and four in the running for the 2010 Young Alumnus of the Year. The awards were presented by the Chancellor The Hon John Dowd AO QC.

Gordon Fraser-Quick is an acclaimed environmental consultant who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in 1995 and a Graduate Diploma of Education in 2003.

As operations manager for the non-profit organisation EnviTE in 1995 and 1996, Gordon designed and co-ordinated environmental repair, rehabilitation and development projects with an annual value of up to $3 million over more than 35 projects across 20 sites.

He has been involved in award-winning integrated waste management services and designed and constructed the world’s largest vermiculture facility.

Integrated with the introduction of kerbside collection of organic waste from every household in the City of Lismore, this facility converts the waste to saleable potting mix and soil conditioner.

Gordon has been recognised through seven community services awards and has been involved in numerous community associations.

He was instrumental in the formative committee of the Northern River Climate Change Collaboration, a model now being repeated in regional centres throughout Australia.

“I am incredibly proud of receiving this award,” a stunned and humble Mr Fraser-Quick told the audience at the awards ceremony.

“Southern Cross University is an organisation that has provided me and other graduates with a way to change not only individual lives but to make a positive impact on the lives of people in communities around the world.

“It has fuelled my passion for environmental science and given me the tools to go out and make a positive difference on the planet.

“I have just returned from China where I am involved in an ambitious project to recycle millions of tonnes of waste plastic and I was surprised how many people in top industry positions knew of Southern Cross University and considered it a leader in environmental science.

“I am proud to be a graduate of Southern Cross University and look forward to a long and ongoing association.”

The 2010 Young Alumnus of the Year was awarded to Steve Price, who graduated with a Master of Business Administration this year.

Steve has had an exceptional career as a rugby league player, playing 313 games in the NRL, 15 Tests for Australia and 28 games for Queensland.

Steve has also been involved in a range of activities focused on providing service back to the community, including the Warriors Against Bullying (WAB) program, which focuses on teaching primary school students anti-bullying skills and enabling them to become positive role models for other students.

He is also involved in the League of Libraries initiative, which aims to enhance literacy levels in primary school children.

Steve, one of the few NRL players to obtain a Masters degree, said he recognised the need for further qualifications to enable him to continue his career when he finishes playing.

“I’d love to be involved in the executive of the National Rugby League but the opportunities in the corporate field of the game are few and you need to be in a position to take them as they arise,” Steve said.

“Qualifications are important for that reason, and also for getting a job in the wider world.

“I owe a huge thanks to Southern Cross University because without their flexible and supportive approach to distance education study, there is no way I could have ever undertaken my degree while maintaining a professional sporting career.

“I hope I can serve as an inspiration to other sports people by showing them that it is indeed possible to get a university-level qualification while still being a competitive player.

“For me, gaining my degree and winning this award will hopefully open the doors to a new career in sport management.

“I have seen plenty of my high-profile mates retire from rugby league thinking they would land a great job and earn as much as they did while playing sport – but they haven’t.

“These days you need a top degree in your back pocket if you want a good job and that is what Southern Cross University has provided me with.

“The degree is very well respected in the industry and that was a big factor in my choosing to study at SCU. Now, to win this award, is very special to me.”

The winners of the Southern Cross University School Alumni awards are:

• School of Education – Raelene Mordecai, graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2006 and is now working as a primary school teacher at Casino Public School.
• School of Environmental Science and Management – Dermot O’Gorman, graduated with an Associate Diploma in Applied Science in 1988 and is now the chief executive officer of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Australia.
• Graduate College of Management – Craig Phillips, graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2000 and is the secretary-general of the Australian Olympic Committee.
• School of Health and Human Sciences – four of the proprietors of Goulds Naturopathica are graduates of the Bachelor of Naturopathy. They are Daniel Robson, Dawn Whitten, Jason Hawrelak and Belinda Robson.
• School of Tourism and Hospitality Management – Anna Guillan, graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Hotel and Management in 2008 and is the executive general manager sales and marketing Hayman and Mulpha Hotels Australia.

PICTURE: From left, Southern Cross University Chancellor The Hon John Dowd AO QC, Young Alumnus of the Year Steve Price, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Gordon Fraser-Quick, and Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee.

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